With the dawn of the new century more and more online accredited degree programs are being offered by nationally recognized colleges and universities. Online learning and online education has blossomed into a billion dollar industry that has seen the extension of many traditional universities as well as the birth of several completely new ones that exist only in cyberspace. Before the dawn of the 21st century there were two ways to earn a college degree. The first and most common way was to simply attend a brick and mortar college, take classes, and work through a specified degree program. Correspondence courses offered another method for those that were not in close proximity to an accredited college degree, but taking such classes was rarely as personally fulfilling for the student. Earning a degree online has never been easier, but finding the right college and the right degree program requires the same planning and research that is required of any career shaping decision.
Major Online Colleges and Universities
The major universities and colleges offering online accredited degree programs include such well known and advertised names as Kaplan University, The University of Phoenix, and others. Each of these are very well known, nationally accredited places to pursue an online college degree. There are dozens if not hundreds of other options as well, some hailing under the names of respected ivy league universities.
Indeed, a majority of brick and mortar colleges and universities now offer online distance education classes and degree programs that may or may not have an on campus completion requirement.Some colleges and online degree programs may require the student to take at least one or two classes on campus prior to awarding a degree. Often these on campus courses are condensed into a week long intensive study program or into a series of weekend events.
Accredation of Online Degree Programs
Before considering any online college or university degree program of utmost importance is that the student make sure the school is accredited with the Council for Higher Education Accredation (CHEA). This organization does extensive research into a college's curriculum and practices to make sure that the quality of the education being provided meets a specified standard. The accredation process is important for potential students to be aware of because of the effect it can have on the transfer of earned credits between colleges. Although rules may vary between institutions, transferring credits from a non-accredited online university to a fully accredited traditional college may be difficult. When choosing an online degree program always place accredited schools at the top of the list.
